U.S.: Syria No Longer Under Iranian Influence, Normalization with Israel Possible

Welat TV – Erbil

The U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Stephen Whitcoff, has stated that normalization between Israel and Syria, as well as Lebanon, is now a real possibility, following Syria's exit from Iran’s sphere of influence.

In an extensive interview with journalist Tucker Carlson, Whitcoff remarked:

“I believe Lebanon can literally normalize relations with Israel by signing a peace treaty between the two countries. This is truly possible. The same applies to Syria.”

He added that Lebanon-Israel normalization, followed by Syria-Israel normalization, could be part of a broader peace initiative in the region.

Israel’s Vision for the Middle East
When asked about the final map Israel envisions for the Middle East, Whitcoff stated that Israel is already active inside Lebanon and Syria. While these two countries are not officially part of Israel, he claimed that Israel "controls them on the ground."

According to Whitcoff, this de facto control could pave the way for comprehensive normalization, provided that Iran-backed militant groups, such as Hezbollah and Hamas, are eliminated.

He emphasized that if Syria and Lebanon normalize ties with Israel, and if Saudi Arabia signs a peace deal contingent on stability in Gaza, then the region would witness an entirely new geopolitical landscape.

A New Middle East Emerging?
Whitcoff asserted:

"Syria today is not what it used to be. Israel is redrawing the regional map beyond traditional borders. If peace is achieved in Gaza, we will witness a new Middle East characterized by technological and economic cooperation between the Gulf states, Israel, and potentially even Syria."

He described Syria's transformation as a turning point, particularly following the fall of former president Bashar al-Assad.

According to Whitcoff, Iran has been effectively pushed out of Syria, and Assad’s removal was an unexpected yet significant victory in weakening Iran’s influence in the region.

"What happened in Syria was a major shift for the region. Removing Assad was a game-changing step that no one expected. Syria is now officially outside Iran's orbit."

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